Five appliances remained overnight as firefighters were concerned the force of the explosion could have damaged the structural integrity of the two-storey building.

One witness who lived in the block of flats, Zoe Palmer, told local reporters she had to be pulled through her shattered windows to safety.

“There was a big almighty explosion and the kitchen wall came through the windows,” she said.

“Some bloke came in and dragged me through the window to get me out.

“I’ve just lost my Mum and all my stuff’s in there which I can’t replace…”

Other witnesses reported seeing a blue flash, a loud bang and seeing their houses shake. Mandy Blakeley, who lives in the same block of flats, said the blast was so powerful it threw her sofa into the air.

Another witness who lived nearby told the BBC he heard a “massive bang” and saw men leaving the building “covered in blood, smoking, obviously very shook up”.

“It was like a war scene,” he said.

Chief Inspector Wayne Horner from West Yorkshire Police said: “I understand that this will have caused concern amongst the community; residents can be reassured that police along with our partners from the other emergency services are on scene dealing with the incident.”

Tracy Brabin, Labour MP for Batley & Spen, said on Twitter: “My thoughts are with those who have been injured in the incident.

“I will share any further updates from our emergency services as I receive them.”

The local vicar, Rev Mark Umpleby, tweeted a picture of a large cloud of smoke above the town and said: “Hoping and praying that everyone’s OK after major explosion in #Batley tonight and for those emergency services on the scene.”